I'm still considering branching out into a next-gen system (the Wii just isn't cutting it for me anymore) and since I've been ripped off twice by PS3 sellers I'm starting to wonder if perhaps the Xbox 360 might be a better choice.

But I keep hearing conflicting stories about it. Couple of my friends swear buy it while others say that the hardware failure is too much to deal with.

So what's the whole story on this console? Is the rate of failure (whatever it may be) insignificant compared to its more positive aspects?

Yeah, the hardware failures can suck. I've dealt with one RRoD myself, but at least Microsoft takes care of it pretty quickly and there isn't much of a turn around in getting a system repaired.

But yeah, it's been a really cool console for me. A lot of really good games that both play great and look fantastic. And then you have Xbox Live which has given me some of my best gaming moments with playing with some of the folks around here. I think it's worth it.

The RROD is a pain in the arse, yes; however for being without your console for a couple of weeks (while MS repair or replace it for you for free) you get a month's free XBox Live Gold. If it happens again, you get the free month and something else (hence how I have 2 wireless controllers - they GAVE me the second one when I got the RROD for the second time).
So aside from the RROD, I'd say yes. It's a bloody great console.

I've never gotten RROD. That being said, a 360 is good. Good games, runs good and is pretty easy to navigate- oh wait, no, not since XBOX Live's craptastic overhaul. But hey, the party thing is really cool, (much better than the old chat) so who am I to be upset about the shit new marketplace, or the convoluted friends list, and all my themes that I paid good money for becoming useless.

But yeah, as an actual console, it's good. More hardcore gamers will probably have a 360 and PS3 and Wii and stuff, anyway. But if you like to buy game content, it's hard to navigate Marketplace without the actual game in. (at which point I recommend you actually select marketplace from the game screen) Oh, and don't waste your money on themes, either.

In all honesty, ever since they updated to the new layouts, I haven't turned on the 360 other than to pop a disc out to trade it in. The navigation on it just turned me off to the system completely as I now have to dig and dig to find stuff on the marketplace. If it's not new, good luck finding it.

Games wise, it depends on what you want to play and if you really like the controller or not. I've always been partial to the PS styled controllers and any game available multi-platform, I've bought for the PS3 for that exact reason.

I just hate how you have to pay extra to play online. I don't have to do it for my PC games, and PS3 owners don't have to do it. I hope the next iteration of the Xbox changes that, but I doubt they will as it's making them money.

Love the system. Never have had a RROD but did have my laser die on me but that was most likely fault on my end. Still got it repaired for free and the aformentioned month of XBL to boot. Great games, awesome online, robust technology, and affordable pricing. It's everything I could want in a game console.

I just hate how you have to pay extra to play online. I don't have to do it for my PC games, and PS3 owners don't have to do it. I hope the next iteration of the Xbox changes that, but I doubt they will as it's making them money.

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You get what you pay for with the gold service. PS3 online service is garbage 90% of the time. lag and disconnects are very common, and almost guaranteed if you dare use a headset (as it requires a bit more bandwidth).

I have yet to be disconnected from Live, headset or not.

it's well worth the less than $5 a month that the yearly rate equals out to.

Just got one for x-mas, seems pretty nice, Sony will always be the king of consoles IMO but this looks and plays nicely, now i just need to get some points to buy SSF2THDR and C:SoTN offa market place.

You get what you pay for with the gold service. PS3 online service is garbage 90% of the time. lag and disconnects are very common, and almost guaranteed if you dare use a headset (as it requires a bit more bandwidth).

I have yet to be disconnected from Live, headset or not.

it's well worth the less than $5 a month that the yearly rate equals out to.

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Fair enough. As a disclaimer, I do not own a 360, and have no anti-Microsoft hatred or anything. Maybe it's worth it, then.